There are four different teaching and training groups within the club:

Learners (1 session) - 1 hour per week
Juniors (5 sessions)
Neptune (6 sessions)
Aquarius (see below)

Swimmers progress through these groups according to age and/or ability and are moved on at the discretion of their teachers or coach.

Learners attend the same, single session each week.

Juniors and Neptune swimmers can come to any, or all of the timetabled sessions within their group, but the fees remain the same however many times they swim.

If your child swims in the group in the deep end of the pool they may be asked to attend twice a week to improve their stamina in preparation for movement to Juniors.

Orion values all its swimmers, from learners right through to our top competitors. We are always working to ensure that each swimmer maximises their achievements in line with the level of committment they bring to their swimming. Our top group, Aquarius, is split into three further squads - Club, Development and Performance.

This is for swimmers aged 15+ who do not wish to train at a high level, or who are unable to commit to regular training sessions. Club squad swimmers must be prepared to swim in Club galas if selected. There are five sessions available (=7.5 hours per week).

This is for recently promoted Neptune swimmers or existing Aquarius swimmers who are not yet physically prepared or committed enough to join the performance squad. Swimmers should be at County qualifying level and attending at least three training sessions per week. This squad is normally open to swimmers aged 11+ There are five sessions available (=7.5 hours per week).

Training will cover all aspects of development on all four strokes. Targets will be regional qualifying times and transfer to the performance squad. Swimmer must compete at County Championships, target open meets, league fixtures and club competitions. All swimmers should have floats, pullbuoys, hand paddles and fins.

Participation in this squad is by Coach's invitation only. The criteria for joining this squad includes committment, performance and a positive attitude. This squad is normally open to swimmers age 12+ but younger swimmers showing a high degree of development can be fast-tracked - bypassing the development squad.

Targets will be to compete at the highest achievable level, e.g. County, Regional and National.

There are six training sessions available (=9 hours per week). Swimmer must follow the training programme and compete in all targetted open meets, County and league galas.

Swimmers must have a positive attitude towards training and must be able to maintain sufficient training pace to complete the sessions. The following training equipment is essential - floats, pullbuoys, fins, drink bottle(s), two pairs of trunks/costumes, goggles and swim hats. Punctuality is required - all swimmers should be poolside 10 minutes before the session start time for stretching exercises.

Permission is required from the Head Coach before swimmers can compete in any competition not on the training programme.